Proton Suprima R – a hotter Suprima S from MIMOS

Last month, we showed you the Suprima X, a crossover design based on the Proton Suprima S. Now we bring you the Suprima R, another creation by local designer Saharudin Busri under the national research and development centre for information and communication technology MIMOS.

Unlike the Suprima X, which presented a more rugged, lifestyle-oriented styling direction for the C-segment hatch, the Suprima R is a more straightforward hot hatch proposal with a sportier, more aggressive design compared to the standard model.

As before, Saharudin used the Suprima S as a base because of its unique design compared to other models in Proton’s lineup. “For me, in terms of design, the Suprima S has a more sophisticated look. From there, there are plenty of touches that can be applied to make the design more attractive,” he said.

The Coventry University graduate is no stranger to Protons – in fact, he was a designer at the national carmaker from 2000 to 2007, producing designs for the Satria Neo and Saga BLM. He also did part-time work in the early stages of development of the latest Proton Perdana.

There are manifold reasons why MIMOS is revealing these designs now. “Among them is to showcase MIMOS’ capabilities in producing designs for the automotive industry, and we are also very interested in offering our expertise to the industry,” he said.

Moving forward, MIMOS intends to offer design consultancy as a service to the industry, instead of producing designs solely for research grants. After all, its industrial design department has designed everything from laptops to mobile phones, going so far as nabbing the Red Dot Award for design concepts in 2010 and even reaching as high as third in the Red Dot Design Ranking for design concepts in 2014.

Like the Suprima X, the Suprima R is not a new design, having existed in some form or another since 2015 – it has now been refined to the level that we see here in these pictures. The front fascia design is completely different from the Suprima S, with new headlights and a larger three-dimensional grille.

Lower down, the air intakes are more aggressive and get a tusk-like design reminiscent of newer Volvos; the LED daytime running lights have also been moved from the headlights to the bumper. Along the sides, there are deeper side sills and five-spoke alloy wheels, while the rear gets Prevé-style two-piece tail lights (joined together by a red bar), a larger rear diffuser and tailgate spoiler as well as twin trapezoidal tailpipes.

This is not the first hot hatch rendition of the Suprima S that we’ve seen – rendering wizard Theophilus Chin made one earlier, also called the Suprima R. So, what do you think of Saharudin’s effort? Should it become a reality as a production vehicle to be sold to the public? Could the design be improved? Sound off in the comments section after the jump.

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

We all knew these aren’t real product by proton.If p1 intend to produce this MIMOS design,make it exactly like these.Coz currently other carmakers easily alrwady produce and sold this kind of design.It’s not hard for them but for p1 it’s a good step forward.If end result would be ugly or totally different,just forget about it.But being proton,we all knew they can easily failed the easiest task.Look at dugong Persona and Saga.The shape are out of proportion and weird.It only can sell just because it is cheap.Even still can’t fight weirder Bezza.How bout dah? Something always wrong with proton.Close shop lah.The more you produce car the more embarrass to your face.If only you got face coz you can’t see what kind of rubbish you create and sell? Eyes on face but if you don’t have face where got eyes to see? See exit door lah.

Before simply launch new models,pls get rid old junkies like Satria Neo and Inspira.But i think proton just afford any stupid planning now.Able to look look see see only coz now they got no more money to manufacture new model.The 1.5B soft loan already gone paying overcharging crony vendors and their request for another 1.8B still far to come.Last year launched was 3 events of disasterously and catastrophic.MPV Ertiga also burning wood became ashes.They still far behind target and rivals.Money not coming in how to make new car? This MIMOS car for shiok shiok only.Fund got from grant aka wasting rakyat money.Useless PROTON and MIMOS.

As I understand from this article, the guy from MIMOS is just proposing an alternative design concept based on Suprima S. No involvement with Proton management at all. Same like Theo Chin.
If MIMOS want to showcase their design ability, good for them. Why the animosity?
Idiotic Brown Supremacy’s comment with regard to Satria Neo and Inspira is confusing. These models are no longer in production and not advertised on Proton Edar’s website. Are you saying there’s a lot of these models unsold unit at showrooms and storage yards? Genuine curiosity.

If ur jealous than just admit it. I don’t suppose u can come up with an original design of ur own? if u can, by all means come up with one and post it up. I’ll lick ur rented house’ floor clean for a day!

it’s still far better looking than the current Suprima. Even John might trade in his Gen2 for it.

Few things I like to mention, which probably you won’t care by the way:
1. The way you said is like you are the most brilliant guy knowing everything about car design. But somehow you don’t even know exactly who that guy is.
2. It seems like you are the professors of all A-class surface designers, again, who doesn’t even know who the guy you bashed is.
3. Think that Autodesk is a ‘cikai’ software. Have you ever try to pay one?
4. Would like to ask you to make one, but I don’t think you even manage to draw a straight line. But you don’t have to, because it is wasting your time after all.

Haih, saharudin is a real automotive designer i meant. I am complimenting, not bashing him. I even said he uses autodesk showcase (and that means the 3d is done on alias of course). Can’t you comprehend english? Why so negative thinking? I want an apology from you!

Doesn’t favour the front though, the Suprima X has a much better and strong signature compare to this one , but the rear is fantastic. If Proton hired MIMOS to design their upcoming cars for facelifts, this Suprima would be on par with the Golf

Proton do not have money to invest in new suprima facelift/enhancement … unless they outsource the facelift/enhancement to styling house and sell it like r3 version or etc…even r3 do not have money to redesign…I think…suprima is dead now…what a waste of potential platform…

The rear-end is quite good, the design cues is something you can see from the latest car design trend. But that front light/front-end is totally OUT, and I can understand that the designer is trying to create somekind of visual impact , but apparently the end-result is not positive. I can even offer my car sketches for some ideas.

When sales is dropping to new low every month, when there is still no partner in sight, one way to convince the gov to give them more fund is to come out with some photoshop images so that everyone believe they are still in the game.

Do it, Proton. Whack in a 2.0 turbo engine and get Lotus to tune the suspension. Make sure the QC is up to scratch and get it into the showrooms for less than RM100k and you’ll have a winner and a brand halo too.

the problem with proton is not poor design…their downfall is due to poor fit and finish, unrefined CFE engine and horrible punch CVT box, suspect QA/QC and patchy after sales support…how then can you expect the public to purchase more proton cars….?

This type of restyling is already outdated. The inside finishing quality need to be close to Continentals already as the chinese have achieved this at similar price point if you ignore the heavy tax in Malaysia. If not you still wont be able to export.

erm… designer given time n opportunity to self indulge… original manufacturer doesn’t even care that someone else tampering with their design copyrights… n someone else is footing the build for the mocks… suuureee, why not. Tell me again how this endeavour of gratification benefit anyone…?

The headlights doesn’t improve with current design, looks lack of idea. The rear looks Korean design, bumper looks ok. All in, this design can last up to another 2 years before new model from Korean and European car makers introduce with the new model.

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